As a volunteer with Blackwood, I was lucky enough to experience the final Blackwood Design Awards first hand. The days in the run up to the final were full of tension and excitement, trying to get everything ready for the big day. Once the great event arrived, almost everything from our side was done. It was time for the participants to do their bit and the judges to pick a winner for the third annual Design Awards.

The final was set for the 14^th January at 1:00 pm. As the day started to unravel, I was lucky enough to welcome some of the guest judges who were taking part. Among them: John Convery – from Remap Scotland, Ian Genoro – Chair of Blackwood’s Board, David Keenan – Inclusivity Director for Neatebox, Niall Ritchie – from Lothian Phoenix Wheelchair Basketball team, Anne Walker – Blackwood Board member and tenant and her husband Jim.

Everything was scheduled and planned, from the lunch we had to the three skype calls that we were about to make (the designers of S’up Spoon were coming to Blackwood). Each participant had a 3 minute-pitch to introduce and explain their brilliant and original design, followed by a brief Q&A session with the judges. Once everybody’s curiosity was satisfied, the judges filled out a marking sheet with 9 criteria covering different aspects of the designs. Myself and another volunteer were in charge of counting and double marking all the scoring from the judging panel.  

Up first was Matilda Swanson from Aberdeen, with an adaptable bus interior named SAT. This changeable bus interior accommodates different target users and optimizes the space for the public’s diverse needs.

Next we Skyped Markus Pröll in Austria. The CEO of a software company, Markus presented the Kinesic Mouse. This specialised software enables hands-free control of a computer by just using head movements and facial expressions.

After that it was off to Canada to listen to Peter Short tell us about POSTA, a developed concept for airline passengers with wheelchairs to transfer in and out of their seats in the aircraft.

Finally, Mark Penver and Grant Douglas presented S’up Spoon. This utensil enables Grant (who has Cerebral Palsy) and many other people worldwide to eat independently without being fed by another person.

As the afternoon progressed, the scores started rolling in fast and we were getting nearer to finding a winner. Although only one design could take home the trophy, I would like to congratulate all the projects and the people that took part in the Blackwood Design Awards 2015. Innovative designs like yours contribute to independent living and make a huge difference to a lot of people.

And finally, a VERY BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Mark and Grant for winning the Blackwood Design Awards 2015 with their simple but life-changing and innovative S’up Spoon (a personal favourite I might add)!! Good luck with the future and here’s looking forward to the next Blackwood Design Award 2016!

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BDA 2015 – We have a winner!

S'up Spoon - a spoon for cerebral palsy, essential tremors and potentially others!

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